Illustrated is a classical and quintessential Bizen bunrin
style chaire by Ningen Kokuho; Yamamoto Toshu (1906-1994). This rounded, small
apple form chaire is a wonderful example of what Yamamoto is so well known for
and highly regarded. This chaire is typical of his work, with vivid flowing
tamadare ash running down the face of the piece. In fact, many of Yamamoto's
pots are immediately recognizable because of his particular and unique style of
firing as well as his use of simple, honest forms of which this noble bunrin
chaire is a great example. Yamamoto decided to apprentice under Kusube Yaichi
later in life which may explain his attention to detail in form and line which
was first rewarded with Prefectural Intangible Property in 1954 and then with
Juyo Mukei Bunkazai in 1987. Yamamoto Toshu like a small handful of other potters,
was able to carve out a niche within the Bizen pottery and add an eloquent and
thoughtful voice to a tradition that has a long and varied history.
"Eloquence is logic on fire." Lyman Beecher (1775-1863)
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